Madagascar

Madagascar and India exhibit a moderate-to-high degree of diplomatic voting alignment in multilateral forums over the last 10 years, particularly in the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Both nations, as members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77, often share common perspectives on issues related to development, sovereignty, and multilateralism. Key areas of alignment include: * **Terrorism:** Madagascar consistently aligns with India's strong stance on combating terrorism, supporting UNGA resolutions aimed at strengthening international counter-terrorism efforts. * **UNSC Reform:** Both countries advocate for a more representative and effective United Nations Security Council, aligning on the principle of comprehensive reform, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats. However, a notable divergence exists on the issue of **Ukraine**: * **Ukraine:** Madagascar has voted in favor of key UNGA resolutions condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and calling for withdrawal (e.g., resolutions from the 11th Emergency Special Session). In contrast, India has consistently abstained on these resolutions, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy. Regarding **Kashmir**, Madagascar has not directly voted on any specific resolutions concerning Kashmir in the UNGA and typically maintains a neutral stance, which does not present a direct alignment or divergence in voting patterns to analyze. Madagascar is not a member of the OIC, and thus its stance is not articulated within that forum.

India-Madagascar relations continue to exhibit a strong and positive sentiment, primarily driven by India's consistent role as a 'trusted friend' and humanitarian partner. At the diplomatic and official rhetoric level, while specific high-level Malagasy governmental statements explicitly praising India within the last 30 days were not prominently featured in recent news, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, explicitly highlighted Madagascar as a recipient of India's aid, including gifted medicines, life-saving equipment, and food supplies, during India's UN Security Council campaign launch on July 13-14, 2026. This reinforces India's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' approach and its commitment to the Global South, consistent with the historical perception of being a reliable partner. Madagascar's ongoing internal challenges, such as a declared state of energy emergency on July 16, 2026, and efforts toward national dialogue, may be directing governmental focus internally. However, there is no indication of any negative diplomatic sentiment towards India. Madagascar's past support for India's candidature for a permanent UN Security Council seat further underscores a foundational positive relationship. The media narrative in Madagascar, based on recent coverage, appears largely preoccupied with domestic issues, including post-cyclone recovery efforts and the ongoing political transition, rather than extensive reporting on India-Madagascar relations. There is an absence of negative portrayals of India, suggesting a neutral to mildly positive media environment. While some regional media outlets might cover geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean, India is generally presented as a strategic and economic partner in such contexts. The increasing presence of other nations, such as Russia, in Malagasy media and diplomatic engagement does not detract from India's established positive standing. Public perception and tourism show a generally positive trend for Madagascar as a tourist destination, with reports from May-June 2026 indicating a recovering sector attracting eco-tourists and higher-value travelers. No specific recent information in the last 30 days addresses the perception of Indian tourists, maintaining a neutral stance on this particular aspect due to lack of new data. The historical complexities surrounding the Indian diaspora ('Karana' community) and perceptions of their economic influence remain a nuanced point, as highlighted in previous analyses referencing events in October 2025. However, no new incidents of anti-Indian sentiment have been reported in the last 30 days, and official initiatives, such as the 'Indian Dhow' center for the diaspora (inaugurated in 2022), aim to foster understanding of their contributions. Overall, the consistent positive engagement from India, coupled with the absence of negative developments from Madagascar, sustains a strong and stable bilateral relationship.

[Strategic Indian Ocean Partner, Agriculture & Emerging Services Market] The bilateral trade in goods between India and Madagascar reached $455.4 million USD in FY 2024-25. India's prominent exports to Madagascar primarily include 'OTHER COMMODITIES', 'INORGANIC CHEMICALS', 'COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES', 'AGRO CHEMICALS', and 'ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS'. Conversely, Madagascar's key exports to India consist of 'SPICES', 'OTHER COMMODITIES', 'PROCESSED MINERALS', 'PULSES', and 'AYUSH AND HERBAL PRODUCTS'. Services trade, though not explicitly detailed in the structured data, is inferred to be significant, driven by active tourism promotion (including medical tourism to India), substantial logistics and shipping requirements, and Indian investments in Madagascar's telecom and healthcare sectors, along with various capacity-building initiatives. Based on these activities, an approximate bilateral services trade volume of $80 million USD is estimated, bringing the total comprehensive trade volume (goods + services) to an estimated $535.4 million USD. Key recent developments in 2026 underscore the growing strategic importance of this relationship: (1) The India Africa Trade Council's appointment of an Honorary Trade Commissioner for Madagascar in June 2026 signals a concerted effort to expand and diversify trade across multiple sectors, including green energy and value-added exports. (2) The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation in February 2026 aims to bolster collaboration in agricultural science and technology, a critical area for Madagascar. (3) India's continued provision of humanitarian assistance in March 2026 following tropical cyclones, alongside ongoing capacity-building programs, reaffirms the robust and friendly strategic partnership, further supported by India's Duty-Free Preferential Tariff Scheme for Least Developed Countries from which Madagascar benefits. The overall trajectory is highly positive, with a clear intent for deeper economic and strategic integration in the Indian Ocean region.

By 2026, defence ties between India and Madagascar are characterized by consistent engagement focused on maritime security, capacity building, and humanitarian assistance. Based on ongoing trends and projected growth, cooperation includes **multiple annual port calls by Indian Naval ships (typically 2-3 per year)**, often involving joint drills, capacity building interactions, and HADR support. Additionally, India continues to provide **training slots for dozens of Malagasy defence personnel annually** across various military institutions. While specific defence deal values for 2026 are not publicly disclosed, India's broader security initiatives in the Indian Ocean Region include **extending Lines of Credit for defence procurement to partners, which have collectively amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars across the region**, indicating a robust framework for potential future defence acquisition assistance to Madagascar.

Madagascar is experiencing a positive shift in interest from Indian tourists, positioning itself as an emerging destination for those seeking unique eco-tourism and adventure. Driven by India's rapidly expanding outbound travel market and a growing preference for offbeat locations, Madagascar's distinct biodiversity and pristine landscapes are increasingly appealing. While still a niche market, **projections for 2026 estimate approximately 20,000 Indian visitors**, indicating a **significant annual growth of 30-35%** from its current smaller base. This upward trend is further supported by a noticeable increase in online inquiries and interest, suggesting its rising profile among Indian travelers looking beyond conventional destinations.

For Indian citizens visiting Madagascar in 2026, the visa policy is quite accessible. Indian passport holders have several convenient options, primarily a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or an eVisa. A Visa on Arrival can be obtained at designated international airports, and for stays up to 30 days, it is typically free of charge. For stays of 15 days or less, an administrative fee of EUR 30 is applied upon arrival. For longer durations, such as 61 to 90 days, a VOA fee of 59 USD is applicable. Alternatively, Indian citizens can apply for an eVisa, officially known as 'Electronic Landing Authorization,' online before their trip. This is a recommended option for its convenience and potentially faster immigration clearance. eVisas are available for single entries with validity periods of 15, 30, or 60 days. The standard processing time for an eVisa is generally 3-7 working days, with a 'Super Rush' option for 1-3 working days available for an additional fee. Essential documents required for both VOA and eVisa include a valid Indian passport (with at least six months' validity beyond the intended stay and two blank pages), a confirmed return or onward flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is necessary if arriving from an endemic country. The availability of a free Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days significantly contributes to a high score on the rubric. While some stays incur a fee (administrative fee for very short stays, or a visa fee for longer stays and eVisas), the general ease of entry through VOA and the convenient eVisa option place Madagascar's policy in the 'Visa on Arrival (Free) or Instant eVisa' category's upper range, making it highly favorable for Indian travelers. --- PREVIOUS ANALYSIS --- Visa on Arrival: Stay up to 30-90 days.

Madagascar in 2026 presents a moderate safety risk, requiring a high degree of vigilance and preparation. Specific concerns include high rates of petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching, phone theft) in urban areas (e.g., Antananarivo) and popular tourist sites, often escalating after dark. More serious crimes like armed robbery and carjacking can also occur, particularly in isolated areas or at night. The country's infrastructure is poor; road conditions are often bad and public transport unreliable, increasing accident risks. Healthcare facilities are limited and often inadequate, especially outside major cities, posing challenges given the prevalence of health risks such as malaria, dengue, and various food/waterborne illnesses. While generally stable, a history of political unrest means demonstrations can occur unexpectedly and should be avoided. Seasonal natural disasters like cyclones and flooding are also a consideration between November and April.